EU Driving License in Spain: What You Need to Do When Moving

Moving to Spain raises many questions. One of them is: what should you do with your EU driving license (Netherlands, France, Germany) if you are going to live in Spain?

Good news: in most cases you can keep driving without immediate action.

Note: UK driving licenses have different rules. They are usually valid for only a limited period (around 6 months) after moving to Spain and must then be exchanged for a Spanish license.

Can you drive with an EU license in Spain?

Yes. An EU license remains valid in Spain even if you officially reside here. There is no mandatory period to exchange it. As long as your license is valid, not lost or damaged, you can use it normally.

When do you need to take action?

You should act if:

• your license expires

• you lose it or it is stolen

• it is damaged

If you live in Spain and your license expires, you cannot renew it in your home country. You must exchange it for a Spanish license at the DGT.

Voluntary exchange: is it necessary?

No, exchanging is not mandatory. Some people do it for convenience to have everything in the Spanish system.
Note: with a Spanish license, you automatically fall under the Spanish points system.

How does the Spanish points system work?

Spain uses a points-based license:

• You start with 12 points (new drivers: 8)

• Infractions deduct points

• Speeding, alcohol, drugs, or mobile use → points lost

• Minor infractions (wrong parking) → usually only a fine

If you lose all your points, your license is temporarily suspended and you will need courses or exams to recover it.

EU license + living in Spain

• You don’t automatically get Spanish points

• Infractions can be digitally recorded

• If you later exchange for a Spanish license, the DGT reviews your traffic history in Spain. Previous serious infractions may:

  • affect your starting points, or

  • require additional obligations (e.g., course)

Conclusion

• ✅ Your EU license remains valid in Spain

• ❌ No need to exchange it immediately

• ? If it expires or is lost, you must act

• ⚠️ A Spanish license includes the points system

?Source

VestigWijzer – Dutch Driving License in Spain
https://vestigwijzer.com/nederlands-rijbewijs-in-spanje

EU license Living in Spain Points system License exchange Driving in Spain

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